Videos: Bacote calls on community to share information about fatal blaze

Pastor Willie Bacote, right, of the Missing Link Street Ministry, leads a vigil in front of 269 and 271 Fifth Avenue in Troy’s Lansingburgh section, urging people with knowledge of the April 3 fire to provide information to authorities. Firefighters pulled the body of Vanessa Milligan from the burning structure at 271 Fifth Ave. Both her death and that of her unborn daughter are being investigated as a double homicide. Police have not indicated whether she was killed by the fire or other means.
J.S. CARRAS - THE RECORD

TROY >> Pastor Willie Bacote’s voice echoed down Fifth Avenue Wednesday evening as he marched with several followers asking people to not only come out of their homes to march with him, but also to share any information they may have regarding the death of Vanessa Milligan.

The march comes after a month with few answers and more questions about the person responsible for Milligan’s death. Firefighters pulled her body from the first floor apartment at 271 5th Avenue while battling the blaze.

While Troy Police have categorized her death as a double homicide since the 19-year-old was pregnant at the time, they have yet to release the exact cause of her death.

Milligan’s death occurred on April 3, just a week before she was scheduled to have a caesarian section on April 10 for the birth of her daughter, Alina Brielle.

It is an event Bacote said has saddened the community as it took away a “beautiful lady” who was about to bring her daughter into the world. Bacote repeated the sentiment that any bit of information, no matter how big or small, could help in the investigation.

“She deserved better,” said Bacote.

Bacote noted there has not been an arrest in the case, which has left some community residents, especially members of Milligan’s family, frustrated. However, Shannon Williamson, Milligan’s aunt, said the frustration isn’t with the police department, which she praised for its work, but rather over the fact no one has come forward with more information.

“I know somebody knows something,” Williamson said, as she was joined by Milligan’s 10-year-old sister, Myasia Harmon. “Any little bit of detail on the street, just bring it. Bring it to the police. Let them do their jobs. We need the support from the community. We need everybody’s help.”

It was pointed out Milligan would have celebrated her first Mother’s Day this weekend with her daughter, Alina, but she was stripped of that chance in April. Bacote criticized the culture of “no snitching” and also said if anyone has any information to provide it to the authorities.

Williamson told media she didn’t even know Milligan had issues with anyone as she described her as beloved and dedicated to her siblings, including Harmon and her brother, Nathan Milligan Jr.

“Just come forward and put yourself in our shoes,” Williamson said of her niece’s killer. “How can people just do things and then turn their heads and walk away?”